At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large team in a fast-paced bakery environment, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality products.
- Company: Join Gunstones Bakery, part of the UK's largest food manufacturer with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 24.5 days annual leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Access to training programmes and employee assistance for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected brand while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience managing large teams in manufacturing; passion for people development and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Shift Manager
Location: Dronfield
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Shift Pattern: Week 1: Wednesday - Saturday, Week 2: Thursday - Saturday
About Us
Joining 2 Sisters means becoming part of the UK\'s largest food manufacturer, with a 3 billion+ turnover and over 13,500 employees. Our Gunstones Bakery is a long-standing and respected site, known for producing premium bakery products such as bread rolls and hot cross buns for high-profile retail partners including Marks & Spencer. As part of our continued commitment to quality and excellence, we are investing in strong leadership to help shape the future of this iconic bakery.
About the Role
The Shift Manager will lead a large team of approximately 130 operatives and 7 team leaders, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the manufacturing process during their assigned shift. This hands-on leadership role is pivotal in driving performance across multiple areas of the factory including dispensary, sieving, dust control, and H&S zones.
You will be responsible for leading end-to-end production operations, managing people, processes, and performance while maintaining high standards of health, safety, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a large team across 4 baking lines and 5 packing lines
- Ensure safe working practices and compliance with health & safety regulations
- Act as the primary point of escalation during your shift, making fast decisions in critical situations
- Monitor operational performance, drive continuous improvement, and maintain product quality
- Collaborate with other Shift Managers and Senior Leadership Team to ensure seamless coordination across shifts and departments
- Promote a culture of engagement, development, and accountability within the workforce
About You
This role is ideal for an ambitious, experienced leader with a track record in managing large teams in high-pressure environments. You should be passionate about people development, operational excellence, and delivering results.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Proven experience leading teams of over 100 people
- Strong background in fast-paced manufacturing environments (food, pharma or temperature-controlled preferred)
- Excellent communication skills, with an ability to coach and develop others
- Demonstrated ability to make quick decisions and lead under pressure
- Commitment to health & safety standards with incident management capability
- Willingness to grow within the business and take on increasing responsibility
Desirable:
- Previous exposure to Lean Manufacturing Principles.
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification
- IOSH Managing Safely certification
- Prior experience in FMCG or food manufacturing
- Ambition to progress into Site Management roles
Benefits
- Standard Company Benefits package
- 24.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Career progression opportunities towards Site Management
- Access to training and development programmes
- Employee Assistance Programme and Grocery Aid
- Discount scheme with Boparan Restaurant Group
- Cycle2Work Scheme
Why Join Us?
At Gunstones Bakery, you\'ll be part of a respected heritage brand producing premium bakery goods for some of the UK\'s most well-known retailers. This role offers real autonomy, hands-on leadership, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a stable and supportive environment. If you\'re ready to take the next step in your career and lead at scale, this could be the opportunity for you.
Apply now and become a key player in one of the UK\'s most trusted bakeries.
#meals01
Shift Manager (Dronfield) employer: 2 Sisters Food Group
At Gunstones Bakery, part of the UK's largest food manufacturer, you'll find a dynamic work culture that values leadership and employee development. With competitive benefits, including generous annual leave and career progression opportunities, this role allows you to lead a large team in a respected environment known for its premium bakery products. Join us in Dronfield to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that fosters growth and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Manager (Dronfield)
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like 2 Sisters Food Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Manager (Dronfield)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to 2 Sisters Food Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at 2 Sisters Food Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with 2 Sisters Food Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like 2 Sisters Food Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
